Thermal stress simulation and temperature crack control for RCCD during construction period

In the light of the temperature crack problem of the construction of RCCD during cold winter season, the authors have analyzed the dam cracking site and the cracking mechanism. Pointed out that the early autogenous volume deformation and temperature difference between inside and outside of the bedding concrete and the temperature difference of basis concrete are the main reasons resulted in the crack. The basic theories of temperature field and stress field of concrete and 3D FEM are used to calculate and simulate the construction process for a RCCD, and the temperature control measures of cooling pipe for the controlling influence of temperature field are analyzed. The results show that the temperature control and crack prevention methods of internal water cooling combined with the moderate surface insulation not only can reduce the temperature difference between inside and outside of the structure, but also can reduce the temperature difference of the structural basis, it has a good crack effect. This approach also has a certain engineering application prospects.